Mold inhibitor integrated within a matrix and method of making same

Abstract

The invention provides a composition useful in the construction industry for the prevention or remediation of mold growth in a man made structure. The composition contains an extruded milo matrix incorporating terpenes, phytoalexins, calcium propionate or combinations of these chemicals having antifungal activity. Methods of making and using the compositions are also disclosed.

1. A method of preventing or remediating mold growth in a man made structure comprising spreading a construction material comprising an extruded milo grain and a chemical selected from the group consisting of calcium propionate, y-terpinene, terpinolene, terpinen-4-ol, 1,8-cineole, p-cymene, 7-pinene, apigenin, luteolin and combinations thereof, in at least one area in the man made structure. 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the construction material comprises between about 4% and about 8% calcium propionate by weight. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the construction material comprises between about 0.1% and about 0.8% y-terpinene by weight. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the construction material comprises between about 0.03% and about 0.3% terpinolene by weight. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the construction material comprises between about 0.01% and about 0.6% 1,8-cineole by weight. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the construction material comprises between about 0.05% and about 0.7% p-cymene by weight. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the construction material comprises between about 0.02% and about 0.4% α-pinene by weight. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the construction material comprises less than about 0.01% apigeninidin by weight. 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the construction material comprises about 0.01% luteolinidin by weight. 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the chemical comes in contact with mold in the man made structure. 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the chemical produces an off-gas through sublimation into an atmosphere enclosed by the man made structure to be remediated.